Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment

non-melanoma-skin-cancer-1

Skin cancer (non-melanoma) is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. These cancers usually form in areas exposed to the sun such as the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. But skin cancer can occur anywhere.

Melanoma is a different, more dangerous, type of skin cancer. Learn more about melanoma. 

Detecting Skin Cancer

Early detection is key for the best outcomes possible. Find out what you can do to monitor your skin regularly and what to do if you see something out of the ordinary.

Detecting and Diagnosing Skin Cancer
non-melanoma-skin-cancer-detection

Skin Cancer Staging

non-melanoma-skin-cancer-staging

If non-melanoma skin cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new growth has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary growth. It is still considered skin cancer. Learn more about the stages of skin cancer and how that will impact the treatment that’s recommended.

Stages of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Treatment

For most patients skin cancer treatment includes the removal of the cancerous cells. This might be done in the dermatologists office when they spot something out of the ordinary and remove it for testing. Or, if a larger spot is found, a special surgical procedure is planned to remove the cancerous area and some of the skin nearby called the “margin”. 

Some patients may not need other treatments. Others may require additional skin cancer therapies to be sure the cancer is not spreading.

The treatments and follow up care recommended for non-melanoma skin cancer patients are dependent on the type of skin cancer that was diagnosed. 

  • Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun. It is most common on the face. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

  • Squamous cell skin cancer also occurs on parts of the skin that have been in the sun. But it also may be in places that are not in the sun. Squamous cell cancer sometimes spreads to lymph nodes and organs inside the body.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Skin Cancer Treatment Close to Home

 
We’re here to help when you’re ready to discuss the right skin cancer treatment for you. We know it’s important for you to get good information and choose a treatment that’s best for you.
 
Request an Appointment with a Cancer Doctor